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Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has paid tribute to the goalscoring instincts of Michael Owen but intends to continue using him in a deeper role in midfield following the 4-1 victory over Tottenham.

In his most advanced positions at White Hart Lane, Owen was a support striker for Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, and when Spurs had the ball he dropped back to help his midfield.

“It is his position at Newcastle for the time being,” Keegan said. “I said, ‘this is the position you have to play in this football club because that is where you are most use for us’ – and he said ‘that’s fine’. He never came up to me and said ‘I’m a forward’. I think he’s enjoyed it.”

Owen has not started an England match under Fabio Capello yet but Keegan added: “I think when the big games come Michael Owen will play.

“Fabio Capello needs asking why he hasn’t played Michael because only he knows the answer.”

Owen’s goal against Spurs effectively sealed the points after Newcastle had come from a goal behind to take the lead.

Darren Bent opened the scoring for the hosts but Nicky Butt and Geremi scored either side of the break before Owen struck. Martins then grabbed a fourth with eight minutes left to send the Newcastle fans home jubilant.

The difference between them and the relegation zone is now nine points – the same gap separating them from West Ham in the top half.

“We’re definitely not safe yet but we can look up not down,” Keegan said. “We could catch Spurs up and we could catch up West Ham. People would have said that was ridiculous a few weeks ago.

“We have three home games and three away left and playing like this, I think the players will look forward to playing anybody.”